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You can during kids art classes taught by professional art teachers from Anderson Ranch Arts Center now offered in Snowmass Base Village.

Sonya Taylor, the children's and outreach coordinator for Anderson Ranch, will guide the program.

"It is only natural that we would offer art for kids as well as adults," Taylor said. "But our programming is not just day care. It is an art program, and it is about making true art whether it is with clay or printmaking or collage. Kids will leave with a completed art project each day."

Classes are offered from 2 to 5 p.m. daily, from Feb. 15 to March 31, for children ages 4 to 6. The fee is $60 per child per class. Each class is limited to eight students and taught by a professional art teacher in the new, bright and cheery Anderson Ranch Arts Center space in Base Village, next to Snowmass Hospitality and across from Plum TV just a short walk from Treehouse Kids' Adventure Center.

"We are pleased to work with the Snowmass community to expand the amenities and the family-friendly environment of Base Village at the Snowmass ski area," said Barbara Bloemink, executive director of Anderson Ranch. "It's part of our mission to enrich children's lives through art, and it's truly an innovative program for a ski area."

Working with young kids is a particular love for Taylor.

"I love the little guys," Taylor said. "I think that age is so precious and so exciting. They have usually started school so they understand being in a classroom atmosphere. They are so optimistic and so untouched. They are creative and free, and they don't self-censor themselves at that age."

The kids art classes in Base Village are an extension of what Anderson Ranch offers for adults and children year-round.

"The Base Village program is so exciting because we are now able to offer an art program for kids during the winter," Taylor said. "In the past, we have only had kids classes at the Ranch in the summer. Hopefully we will be able to turn these classes into a year-round program."

The classes are sponsored by Related Colorado, Viceroy Snowmass Resort and Residences and Alpine Bank.

"Partnering with Anderson Ranch brings year-round vitality to Base Village and Snowmass," said Leticia Hanke, Viceroy Snowmass director of marketing. "The kids art classes are a fun and educational way for resort guests to round out their child's day while parents relax and enjoy theirs."

"We are using almost the identical formula in the classes as we do at the Ranch," Taylor said. "The kids will be doing very cool art and leaving with a finished project each day. We will correlate stories that go with the crafts, take art walks, have snacks and make fun for three hours. For the tourists that might not know the Ranch, I think they will be pretty impressed by the caliber of the classes. It is a really unique chance for your child and a different activity from skiing. For many kids, it is a good balance."

To enroll, reservations must be made 24 hours in advance via phone, 970-923-3181, or in person at the front desk of Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Monday through Friday. Phone and in-person reservations will be taken weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anderson Ranch is at 5263 Owl Creek Road in Snowmass Village. Drop-ins, if available, will be accepted on a first come, space available basis, on site in Base Village and 10 minutes prior to the start of each class.

The Anderson Ranch Kids space at Base Village is located between the Arrival Center and the Elk Camp Gondola, street level at 60 Carriage Way, Unit 3120. Colorful signage marks the site.

Steve Alldredge is the former associate editor/reporter for the Snowmass Sun. He now runs a local communications company whose clients include Related Colorado. He can be reached at: stevealldredge@gmail.com.